Has anyone gone on a cruise without a passport? If so what all did it involve?

I think you have a different law in the States, that lets you take closed loop cruises without a passport, as long as you do have proof of American citizenship with you? Over here in the UK, you couldn't go on any cruise outwith the British Isles, without a passport. Handy thing to have anyway, but only a small proportion of Americans have one.

You are not required to have a passport but if not you have to have a birth certificate and not sure what else.. But they do recommend you get a Passport instead.. If you get sick or something happens without a passport your stuck... And cannot be airlifted back...

I have went on two cruises so far it only takes approximately 3-6 weeks to get your passport back.. Got mine in 30 days.... @ the cost of around $120 and mine is good for 10 years..

You have to make sure you carry it when porting and to get back on the ship..

It does depend on what cruise you are taking. If you go to that cruise ship site they will tell you what the requirements are.... they all suggest you have a passport...

Time completely slipped away. I am going on a cruise in mid January. They said it was not required so it was on my back burner of to do list. It would not be here in time now.

All I know is that you need a passport on you especially going to a foreign country. I've been on Carnival, Norwegin..etc.

From the USA to the Bahamas?

Well I always have one on me. Better safe than sorry.

Can I still get one in time?

I don't know about in the States, but over here in the UK, we have a fast-track service, through the post office, that can get you a passport within 7 days. I'd check that route out just in case the same sort of service is available, in the US, ok?

You can say that about a lot of things.
But you should be able to get a passport expressed to you. It might cost a bit more for that service.

What is the most secure way to get a passport the first time in time for January?

Honestly this time of year I doubt that you can get it back in time... I have family members that have went recently and did not get a passport and had no problems... Our trips were to the Bahama's.

As I said as far as a passport the only thing you will not be able to do is be airlifted home if there is a emergency medical problem... You can still be treated but it will be where ever you are at that time...

I would not worry about it and just enjoy.... your trip...

You can get one quick if you go straight to the Federal Building and have a provable deadline. You can get one in as little as 24 hours with an extra $60 processing fee.

You should get one. You may need it.

used to be easier,but now a Passport is required!

http://nassau.usembassy.gov/entry_exit_bahamas.html

Air Travel:



All Individuals, regardless of age, must have their own passport when traveling internationally by air.

All U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport in order to enter The Bahamas, as well as to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling by air. U.S. citizens do not need visas for short trips to The Bahamas for tourist/business purposes, however, Bahamian regulations require that air passengers entering for tourism have a round trip ticket. Travelers should be prepared to show return/onward travel arrangements to immigration authorities if requested. Passengers arriving with one way tickets could be denied entry.


Sea Travel:



American citizens traveling to The Bahamas by sea on private watercraft or most commercial vessels must have a valid passport.

Those traveling by sea on an officially-designated closed-loop cruise: If you are a U.S. citizen and you board a commercial cruise ship at a U.S. port, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship, you may present government-issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original certified copy of your birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.

Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport if you wish to extend your visit in the Bahamas or in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires a cruise passenger to disembark and return by air.
U.S. citizens in need of an emergency passport for return to the United States should contact the Embassy at 322-1181 ext. 4406 or 4574 during normal business hours.

We strongly encourage all U.S. citizens to apply for a passport book or passport card well in advance of anticipated travel. You can visit the Department of State website or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for passports.

Thank you. I was told by the cruise line that it is not required, especially if I stay near the ship. Since this is my first cruise, I plan on exploring the ship mostly. I plan on getting off the ship and checking the islands out, but not very far. More to say that I was there. I can always go back if I like the islands.